Program Reviews

My volunteer experience was great! From day 1 the local team was very attentive to my arrival and my needs, even before arriving in the country they were very kind; I should mention that the other volunteers also helped me develop in the country and get to know the culture. My medical volunteer experience helped me not only connect with people but also improve my skills as a doctor and have more humanity in my profession.

The local team and my coordinator were always attentive to me, it felt like a family, and every day was a new experience that I will take with me. It was definitely a very nice experience and I am grateful to the team and the coordinators, not only did I learn about a new country and its customs but I also took away a better development as a doctor and a lot of love for the country.

It was my first experience with this organization and I have only good reviews about the professionalism and encouragement they provide. From the beginning of filling out the application to returning back to Canada, the local team followed through on everything.

The local team was accommodating and very well organized. The programs we were fortunate to be part of were rewarding and shared communication even with language barriers.

Cuzco is an amazing city and the residents are friendly and helpful.

IVHQ made my overseas adventure much less stressful! The organization was appreciated by all the members of my group. Looking forward to working with them again! I went to Buenos Aires, Argentina and it was life changing. Through IVHQ I got to impact the local community and volunteer in rural communities. I truly will use this amazing and life changing experience for the planning of future volunteer trips. I know that IVHQ cares about its participants and I will never use a different company because of the commitment they show.

A colleague and I hosted a large group of nursing students for a medical mission. We thoroughly enjoyed our interactions with our host families, the patients we treated and the mission staff. We spent time seeing patients at a church, orphanage, day care and nursing home. We felt safe and were continuously informed of the schedules and projects. Most, if not all of us, were not fluent in Spanish, but we received information that allowed us to communicate with the patients. We spent time sight-seeing as well. The company planned our transportation, stops for food, and trips. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and I highly recommend it.

I really enjoyed my 2 weeks of teaching English volunteering in Thailand. I have a huge smile whenever I think back at the time I spent there.

The local team were fabulous. They helped settle us into our roles, guided us and helped whenever needed. They also helped facilitate any trips that we wanted to take during our spare time.

I’ve never taught to school children and so on my first day I had some nerves. As we got off our transport the children gave us such an amazing welcome. It wiped away the nerves instantly. The children were always happy to see the volunteers arrive at their schools. Cheering at us and beaming with huge smiles. There’s some pre-planning of classes and lots of improvisation. The local team help on both fronts. It was satisfying making micro contributions to the children’s English education. The contributions accumulate over the different volunteers that come throughout the year.

Volunteering isn’t just for the young, I’m in my mid-fifties. The more senior members have life skills, knowledge and experience that can be of benefit. I would have stayed longer if I had more time to spare. I returned a few weeks ago and am planning my next trip in 2026. I can’t wait!

It was an unforgettable experience that got me the chance to dive into a new culture and environment, something I could not have fully appreciated on my own. The local team and the other volunteers, allowed me to understand with the city and culture on a much deeper level. I was able to walk through the daily lives just as the locals. Exploring the natural beauty of the area was also unforgettable whether it was the endless clear blue ocean and the sight of palm trees swaying in the breeze, which I could not find back home. It was amazing to not only witness the local culture but to actively take part in it. Volunteering in a completely new country, meeting diverse people, and adapting to a new lifestyle was an experience I will carry with me forever.

This was my first time in Portugal and I loved it. Through this company I was able to meet open minded people willing to serve communities that they aren’t apart of. I think my favorite part was meeting my local team and seeing how passionate they are to make this world a better place and encouraging others to contribute any type of service that might even seem small but in reality is an essential part into making this world a better place. My experience in Portugal included turning recycled plastic into skateboards for kids and Christmas ornaments. I’ve learned the impact the arts can have on humanity, projects like these are able to capture the attention of people and encourage them to help our environment for the better.

I can't thank this agency enough for the incredible volunteering experience they allowed me to have. From the very first contact, their staff was extremely kind and helpful, patiently answering all my questions during the booking process and guiding me step by step to prepare for the trip. Once I arrived on-site, I found the same warmth and professionalism, combined with a genuine passion for their work and for supporting the people involved in the projects.

The volunteering experience was indescribable: it opened my eyes and changed me deeply. I learned to see the world from a different perspective, to appreciate even more what I have, and to understand how important it is to contribute to the well-being of the communities I worked with. It’s an opportunity that helps you grow as a person and rediscover the value of solidarity and empathy.

If you’re looking for a reliable agency and a volunteering opportunity that truly enriches you, I can wholeheartedly recommend them. Thank you for making this experience so special and meaningful!

I recently had the privilege of joining a teaching volunteer program in the Philippines, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed by the local team, who went above and beyond to provide support, not only for lesson planning but also for cultural immersion and weekend trips to explore the local area.

Teaching elementary students was both challenging and rewarding. The children were eager to learn and full of energy, making every moment in the classroom a joy. I especially loved the creative freedom I had to design lessons that were engaging and fun. The sense of accomplishment I felt when students grasped new concepts was unmatched.

That said, it’s important to note that the accommodation is very rural and secluded, with not much going on in the immediate area. This can be both a blessing and a challenge. I recommend bringing a laptop, books, or card games to keep yourself entertained during downtime. Joining in with others and making your own fun can make the experience more enjoyable.

The program also gave me the opportunity to experience Filipino culture firsthand. From practicing Tagalog with the locals to trying traditional dishes and celebrating community events, I truly felt immersed in the vibrant culture. The kindness and hospitality of the Filipino people made the entire experience unforgettable.

Overall, despite the rural location, this volunteer program exceeded all my expectations. Not only did it allow me to make a positive impact on the community, but it also helped me grow as a person by teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the value of meaningful connections. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a fulfilling and enriching volunteer experience.

I worked on the animal care project in Thailand, Chiang Rai and I absolutely loved it. It was a great experience and a great way to experience the real Thai culture that you don’t see on Instagram. It’s left me with such a full heart, the animals there are all amazing and I’d love to take them home. The staff are so friendly and although don’t speak amazing English, are doing so well ! We actually even went back to one of their villages and joined in with Christmas carolling and had dinner with them, it was an unreal experience. IVHQ did a great job of getting everything organised and we felt at ease during the whole booking and planning stage. A very well organised trip. I had the best time and would love to do it all over again. I would highly recommend, 10/10.